How to Write Scientific Research Proposals

Scientific research proposals offer information on a proposed research topic, including what the research is, by whom it is to be researched and budgets. This article explains how to properly write a scientific research proposal.

Things You'll Need

• Research material

Instructions

1. Create a Title page with the name of the research proposal. The proposal's name should be short and succinct but offer enough information regarding what it is about. Additionally, this page should list whom the proposal is being submitted to, by whom it is being submitted and who will do the work. The Title page generally also has an approving signature by the head of the research team/committee.

2. Write a Summary page that summarizes the research to be done. It should highlight the general aspects of the research and the key points of the time line. The idea is to be as short and concise as possible here. This section should usually not exceed one page.

3. Make a Table of Contents and List of Tables and Figures page after the Summary page. Since you don't know the page numbers of each section and figure when you first write the proposal, simply insert this page as a placeholder and change it as the proposal develops.

4. Write an Introduction, which is the first part of the proposal's main body. This section opens by presenting the problem that the proposal is proposing to solve, why it should be solved and how (briefly) it could be solved. Do not go into in-depth details during this time, as it is simply an introduction. The Introduction is primarily a rehash of the Summary page but without the full conclusions.

5. Write a Technical Discussion section, which is the meat of the proposal. It should encompass all of the proposal's research data, including the objectives, approach, work to be performed, end product, schedule, manpower requirements and budget requirements.

6. Write a Contract Requirements section, which is the final section. In this section, explain in detail anything specific requiring licenses, rights and anything else in the legal realm concerning the proposal, its process, its benefactors and any effects from it.